1992 09 28 CSC Minutes
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Reports & Infor~tional Item:
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COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION,
MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1992
CALL TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Community Services Commission was called
to order at 7:10 p.m., at La Quinta Middle School Multi-Purpose
Room. Chairwoman Kennedy presiding, followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance.
PRESENT: Commissioner Lawrence Best
Commissioner Aldine Dickens (arrived at 7:50 p.m.)
Commissioner Susan Francis
Commissioner Sharon Kennedy
Commissioner Nancy Nard
Commissioner B.J. Seaton
Commissioner Jill Thompson
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STAFF PRESENT: Clint Bohlen, Park, and Recreation Manager
Cynthia Hernandez, Department Secretary
1. PRESENTATION OF NEW LEAF AWARDS
Chairwoman Kennedy introduced City Councilman Stan Sniff who would
be presenting the awards.
City Councilman Stan Sniff welcomed the parents and students to the
meeting and thanked the City Council, the City of La Quinta, the
residents and the proud parents of the students for tonights
presentation.
Councilman Sniff explained that these New Leaf Awards are presented
to those students for significant academic achievements. In the
spirit of cooperation between the City of La Quinta and Desert
Sands Unified School District, the teachers and staff and
administrators, the New Leaf Academic incentive program was
established for their strong support to show their full commitment
to these strong and wonderful young students. This program was
created to encourage, recognize and reward the La Quinta students
who make a significant show in status, from quarter to quarter.
These awards presented tonight are from the 4th quarter of the
1991/92 school year and have every reason to be proud and we salute
you all. "Congratulations. " Councilman Sniff then introduced
Mayor John Pena.
Mayor Pena welcomed all of the students and parents to the meeting.
He thanked all of the volunteers who have made an effort to improve
in their schooling and participation. He also thanked the
principal of La Quinta Middle School, Maureen Mendoza", and all the
fine teachers who work extremely well with the students.
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September 28, 1992 Meeting
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At this time, Councilman Sniff and Mayor pena presented each of the
students with an award. A list of the students included:
Adams Truman School:
Grade 1: Tamara Avila, Colin Barrows, Claudia Dominguez,
Damian Mejia, Justin Paiyarat, Brooke Perez
Grade 2: Amber Gilbert, Jessica Murphy
Grade 4: Lorraine Delara, Amanda Hippen
Grade 5: Alicia Gilbert, Sara Haas, Sara Whiteside, Andrew Kearney
La Quinta Middle School:
Grade 6: Neil Anderson, Linda Bate, Heath Brewer, Donald Cassman,
Dawayne Cox, Dinah Estrada, Juan Gutierrez, Yessema Hernandez,
James Lewis, Pedra Lopez, Juan Lozano, Wanda Martindale,
Sara Martinez, Victor Martinez, Lilianna Matuz,
Christopher McMullin, Christina Medrana, Myra Meza,
Jennifer Moreno, Rita Serode, Nicole Sullivan, Javier Valenzuela
Grade 7: David Carrasco, Alfredo Corral, Ricky Coulstron,
Shylo Drury, Kristi Durham, Samuel Escobar, Bradley Gardner,
Shunta Gipson, Gloria Gonzalez, Domingo Guajardo Andrea Halsey,
Dabian Harris, Heather Howell, Karl Johnson, Renee Johnson,
Melanie Jones, Erica Martinez, Nathan McKeever, Mindy Pastion,
Hane Sheiha, Sheri Stephenson, Michael Talley, Stephanie Webster,
Kelli White.
Grade 8: Estevan Bautista, Shane Bonner, Melvin Brinkmann,
Timothy Cardell, Avidio Chapa, Robert Cheley, Erick Chestnut,
Brandon Gonzalez, Joel Gutierrez, Arianne Harmon,
Michelle Hattinger, Marcelius Jordon, Casey McLaren,
Dortha McDanel, Juan Reyes.
Two students received a plaque for Highest Achiever, they were
Alicia Gilbert, Grade 5 at Adams Truman School and Marcelino Lopez
Grade 8 at La Quinta Middle School.
In closing, Councilman Sniff thanked all of the parents, students
and the Community Services Commission for being at the presentation
tonight.
Chairwoman Kennedy reconvened the Commission meeting at 7:40 p.m.
2. ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEM
It was moved by Commissioner Best/Nard to AUTHORIZE adding an
agenda item, under Section VIB General, to approve a committee
assignment for Aldine Dickens. Motion carried.
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Community Services Commission
September 28, 1992 Meeting
Minutes - Page 3
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 14, 1992
It was moved by Commissioner Seaton/Francis to APPROVE the minutes
of September 14, 1992 as submitted. Motion carried.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Chairwoman Kennedy opened the floor for public comment with no
responses.
5. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIALS
There was no additional correspondence.
6. COMMUNITY PARK - NORTH DRAFT DESIGN DEVELOPMENT PLAN
DEVELOPMENT PHASES AND COSTS
Chairmwoman Kennedy introduced Steven Lang, from Purkiss-Rose/RSI,
the consultant who has been working on the Design Development
Report and development phasing costs.
Staff Liaison Clint Bohlen called the Commission's attention to the
preliminary report included in the packet. He indicated that this
represents over six months work including land surveying, public
hearings, Commission review and staff management efforts related to
the project named Community Park North (Westward Ho Community Park
in the General Plan and Parks and Recreation Master Plan).
Mr. Lang reported that he put together the Design Development
Report which included a narrative explaining the intent of this
design. He took the comments from the commission as well as from
the public meetings and came up with a plan that meets the
requirements of the City as well as some of the concerns brought up
regarding the adjacently located school. He added that he did a
take-off of all the improvements so that we could establish what
the ultimate cost would be. He met with staff and they looked at
what would be a legitimate first phase. The eventual suggestion
for the improvements and construction took into account the concern
that we would be putting in things and not have to take out things
later on.
Mr. Lang reported that the plan has not changed that much from the
last presentation. Graphically, we now show a little more
accurately the different plant samples. It is his intent to "beef
up" the shade areas. There will be a higher ground coverage that
will add more definition to the amphitheatre area. There will be
a small parking area on the south east corner of the design and we
will develop a play area and green space to take care of the
initial needs and places where the kids can play. There will
be a buffer along the edges. We will add a buffer to the areas
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community Services Commission
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where residential developments abutt the park.
The estimated grand total is $4.1 million which includes overhead,
profit, and contingency as there may be things that come up that
may have been overlooked.
Mr. Lang commented that Phase I includes the Group picnic Shelter.
It would exclude the water feature and the amphitheatre at this
time. Wildflowers would be placed in these locations temporarily.
The reason the rocks were included in the park is due to the timing
of the streets as part of Phase I. That would make it so that
people could enjoy the topography and would always have a natural
feel to it. He broke up some of the electrical that would be
needed for the play area and some in the picnic area as part of
Phase I as well.
Phase II includes the ball park, turf area, major parking areas,
restroom/concession, lighted basketball court and some more
electrical that would serve as a backup lighting in the area of the
basketball court. At the end of Phase II we would have ball fields
complete, the parking area and the basketball courts.
Phase III includes the lighted tennis courts as well as the stream
and lighted amphitheatre and more landscape improvements. This
phase also includes the water play feature that was associated with
the toddler area. Also in this phase we would add more picnic
areas and benches.
The final Phase IV, would the Community Center and would be a major
phase in itself.
As the Commission starts to review the reports and phasing
suggestions, there will be things that you may find; items for
which there will be a greater need. We will only be able to do one
phase at a time. They are all options that you can implement,
however.
Commissioner Seaton asked about the proposed high school across the
street and its ball fields in relation to this facility. Mr. Lang
replied that the difference in the softball field is it does not
have a green turfed infield. That is the only thing that makes
them different than a high school regulation field. The baseball
fields are not used for softball. They are for regulation play.
Staff Liaison Clint Bohlen commented this could become a problem
with using high school fields as the public use of those may very
well be restricted.
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Community Services Commission
September 28, 1992 - Meeting
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Commissioner Dickens commented that assuming all goes well how long
would it take to complete this project? Mr. Lang replied that
would depend on the City's budget process. However,. it would be
about 4-6 years to construct everything.
Staff Liaison Clint Bohlen indicated this project would have to be
financed by a bond issue.
Commissioner Best commented if there would be any problem with
having a completed walkway going throughout the areas in Phase I?
Mr. Lang indicated this area would be about 1/2 mile long. It
would be a place where you can walk around and there does not seem
to be a maintenance or safety problem involved. Mr. Lang replied
this would be sort of a rolling loop across the park.
Commissioner Dickens asked if it is the consultants recommendation
that we start with Phase 11 Mr. Lang replied he would rely on
Staff's recommendation. Staff Liaison Bohlen replied that based on
requests made for fields, they were not high priority nor was there
a strong need to have at this time. In looking at what would be a
reasonable first phase, there was quite a bit of concern coming
from the north for a play area or neighborhood type use as this is
something that really is not available for them at this time.
Staff Liaison Bohlen commented that the Commission's recommendation
would be forwarded to the City Council as far as today's
presentation and it is tied into the phase options and design.
Commissioner Thompson indicated the design looks great and it seems
to be everything we wanted and what we want is what's good for the
residents in that area.
Commissioner Best commented that based on the survey results, Area
A's number one requested item was a neighborhood park.
Chairwoman Kennedy commented she likes the design and the phase
options.
After discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Best/Francis to
RECOMMEND the Draft Design Development Plan and Development Phases
and Costs for Community Park-North, as presented, to the City
Council for their approval.
7. PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN STUDY SESSION
Staff Liaison Bohlen commented that the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan was distributed previously to the Commission. At that time,
Staff requested the Commission review the Master Plan and prepare
comments as to corrections and/or changes that should be
incorporated.
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Community Services Commission
September 28, 1992 - Meeting
Minutes - Page 6
Staff will prepare a Second Draft for the review of the Council
which will then be forwarded onto the Planning Commission and other
city departments and several public agencies including County and
recreation provider agencies.
Chairmwoman Kennedy commented that at the last meeting there were
some changes the Commission had relating to the Bear Creek Bike
Path, and on page 32 in regards to the Hillside Ordinance that this
plan should be in compliance. Also, the development cost of the
Fritz Burns Park on page 39 was going to be updated.
Commissioner Best asked about page 40 and where the Westward Ho
Community Park is mentioned, or is this is in fact Community Park
North? Staff Liaison Bohlen commented that the names came from
those utilized in the General Plan. The names are not set in stone
and the City Council may decide to change them at a future date.
Chairwoman Kennedy asked how the City's budget is coming along as
far as presenting this plan to the City Council? Staff Liaison
Bohlen replied this plan is proposed to go to the City Council at
their meeting of October 6th. Staff will incorporate the changes
in addition to changes received from planning staff.
Commissioner Nard asked for a clarification of policy under page 28
of ~his document. Staff Liaison Bohlen commented that in the case
of private development, such as in a gated or commercial
development, the City will try to encourage those developers to
fund facilities to meet the needs of those employees or residents
within the gated communities. This would reduce the demand on
public facilities.
The City is trying to create a policy where developers are
encouraged to take a look at the nees of their future residents.
It is also being suggestd that the City consider a park impact fee
on commercial and retail development so that the City has the funds
to provide a facility close to their developments.
After discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Dickens/Francis to
DIRECT Staff to proceed with Second Draft Review to the City
Council and to be forwarded to the public agencies.
8. FINAL REVIEW OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION HANDBOOK
Staff Liaison Bohlen reported Staff has made changes as suggested
by the Commission at its previous review and is now before the
Commission for final approval.
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Community Services Commission
September 28, 1992 - Meetig
Minutes - Page 7
Commissioner Dickens called the Commission's attention to Page 13
relating to meetings, Section 2.18.060 A as it should read twice a
month and should coincide with the ordinance established by
Council.
Commissioner Seaton requested her name be corrected to read
B.J. Seaton.
After discussion, it was moved by Commissioner Seaton/Thompson
to APPROVE the Final Draft of the Community Services Handbook as
amended.
9. RESIGNATION BY COMMISSIONER JILL THOMPSON
Chairwoman Kennedy stated she has been advised by Jill Thompson
that she is resigning from the Commission effective October 12.
Commissioner Thompson has received an employment promotion within
Waste Management, her employer, and she will be relocating.
Chairwoman Kennedy commented that as a citizen and Commissioner of
the City of La Quinta, Jill has truly been an asset to this City.
She has volunteered her services for committees and community work.
She will be missed.
Commissioner Thompson thanked the Commission for their services to
her and stated she would miss the City also.
10. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRPERSON
Chairwoman Kennedy opened nominations for the position of Vice
Chairperson.
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Commissioner Thompson nominated Lawrence Best for the position of
Vice Chairperson. Commissioner Best accepted the nomination.
Commissioner Francis nominated B.J. Seaton for the position of Vice
Chairperson. Commissioner Seaton accepted the nomination.
Chairwoman Kennedy asked for any other nominations and there being
none, she then closed the nominations and called for a vote.
Chairwoman Kennedy asked for all those in favor of B.J. Seaton
being appointed as Vice Chairperson, say aye:
AYES: Francis, Seaton
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Community Services Commission
September 28, 1992 - Meeting
Minutes - Page 8
Chairwoman Kennedy asked for all those in favor of Lawrence Best
being appointed as Vice Chairperson, say aye:
AYES: Dickens, Nard, Thompson, Kennedy
Commissioner Lawrence Best was appointed Vice Chairman by unanimous
vote.
12. ELECTION OF CHAIR PERSON
Vice Chairman Best opened nominations for the position of
Chairperson.
Commissioner Nard nominated Sharon Kennedy for the position of
Chair Person.
Vice Chairman Best asked for any other nominations and there being
none he closed the nominations.
Vice Chairman Best asked for all those in favor of Sharon Kennedy
being appointed as Chairperson, say aye:
AYES: Best, Dickens, Francis, Nard, Seaton, Thompson,
Commissioner Sharon Kennedy was appointed Chairperson by unanimous
vote.
13. COMMITTEE SELECTIONS
Chairwoman Kennedy indicated that the Commissioners assigned to
committee selections and can always ask for a reassignment of
committees. Chairwoman Kennedy asked Commissioner Dickens which
Committee she would like to serve on?
The Commissioners explained to her briefly some of the duties of
the other commissions to include the City Manager's Gang Task
Force, the Human Services, and Culture and Fine Arts.
After some discussion, Commissioner Dickens volunteered to serve on
the Human Services Committee.
14. LANDSCAPE FOR ECOLOGY AWARDS
Chairwoman Kennedy indicated this item would be continued to the
next meeting as the photos were not available at this time.
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Community Services Commission
September 28, 1992 - Meeting
Minutes - Page 9
15. NEXT MEETING DATE, TIME AND TOPICS
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m.
at city hall, to include the following topics:
. Discussion of what is called Palm Royale Park;
. Discussion of design and development of TRIAD;
. Redesign of Sports Complex;
. Schedule one grant recipient;
Staff Liaison Bohlen
Legislative Conference
Commissioner Seaton to
forward information as
reported that in May there will be a
in Sacramento that might be appropriate for
attend. It is a one day function and will
it becomes available.
16. ADJOURNMENT
business to discuss, it was moved by
to ADJOURN at 8:50 p.m.
Manager
THIA HERNANDEZ
partment secretary